Choosing a Doctor

Your primary care doctor can be a family doctor, an internist, a pediatrician (children's doctor), a gynecologist (women's doctor), or a nurse practitioner who works with a doctor.

Your primary care doctor's office should be easy for you to get to. You can usually ask for a doctor within 15 miles or 30 minutes of your home or work.

Ask your health plan for a list of primary care doctors. You may have to call more than one doctor before you find a doctor who is taking new patients.

You can ask your health plan for a list of doctors who speak your language. Or you can request an interpreter. Learn more about language services.

Ask friends and co-workers for the names of doctors they like or don't like.

Make the Most of Your Visit

Bring a list of your questions and concerns.

Bring a list of all your medicines (including over-the-counter medicine and supplements) and how much (the dose) you take of each one.

Repeat what your doctor tells you in your own words, to make sure you understand.

Take notes.

Ask how to reach your doctor between visits.

Bring someone with you for support.

Medical Groups

A medical group is a group of doctors who have a business together and have a contract with a health plan to give services to the plan members. Your primary care doctor and most of the specialists you see will usually be a part of your medical group. You can compare medical groups.

You may receive your care through a medical group, but it is your health plan that is responsible for covering your health care. This means your plan must make sure you get the same level of health care no matter who your doctor or medical group is.